From laminate to loose lay: trade show flooring is ready for change
A floor that’s used once at a trade show, only to end up in the landfill? Unfortunately, that’s still a daily reality. Especially with carpet, PVC, and laminate, these materials are often discarded after just one use.
At KOP, we’re no longer rolling out the red carpet for waste. That’s why we’re increasingly choosing materials that can be reused multiple times and eventually, recycled instead of thrown away.
A perfect example? Loose lay PVC flooring. A product that quite literally lays the foundation for a future-proof approach.
Loose lay flooring: what is it, and why does it matter?
The name says it all: loose lay flooring is installed without glue, simply laid on top of the subfloor. Unlike traditional laminate or carpet, it’s held in place with a click system and/or framed between walls or profiles.
Loose Lay is quick to install and even quicker to remove. No waste, no gluey mess. Which makes it perfect for the fast-paced world of expos and events. Sounds like a win-win, right?
Putting it to the test at KOP
There are loads of loose lay brands out there. So we brought in our trusted floor supplier, JMT Floor Coverings, who had already curated a selection of durable PVC options for stand builders.
We decided to run a blind test together with JMT Floor Coverings and our project team.
Erik, Project Manager at KOP:
“We set up a test floor in our workshop and laid down different brands and types of loose lay flooring. We assessed them on quality, ease of use, and appearance. Forbo’s loose lay flooring came out on top across the board.”
And we’re happy about that because Forbo brings more to the table than just good looks:
- True transparency: Forbo handles recycling completely in-house, with no grey areas. Thanks to this closed-loop system, the story is clear and easy to explain to us and to our clients.
- Exceptional quality: Forbo’s Loose Lay features an extra-thick wear layer (1 mm), allowing for longer life and more reuse. Every additional show the floor survives is a win.
- Reliable sustainability data: Forbo supplies clear, verifiable Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), helping us measure and improve our environmental footprint.
From reuse to recycle
But the real kicker? Forbo floors can be reused up to 20 times. After that, they still don’t hit the dump.
We talked to Saskia Bibbe-Husslage, Product Manager at Forbo and one of the minds behind their Loose Lay collection.
Saskia - Productmanager at Forbo
“Through our Take Back program, used and damaged tiles are collected, sorted, cleaned, and turned into new PVC flooring. KOP returns used pieces after the show, so we can recycle them locally.”
Forbo keeps the process 100% in-house at their factory in Coevorden. That way, they maintain full control over quality. No shortcuts.
Waste streams
More than a nice story
Is this just a marketing tale? Absolutely not.
Saskia: “We’ve been recycling our own production waste for over 20 years. But with new EU rules kicking in, it’ll soon be mandatory to take back used materials.
To reduce CO₂, we need more recycled content and for that, we need our own materials back, glue-free. That’s why we’re all-in on loose lay. Our Take Back program runs across Europe. Dutch, French, Scandinavian offcuts. They all come back to Coevorden.
Sure, it costs more than it brings in right now. But it’s an investment in the future.”
Is loose lay more expensive?
Erik:
“Yes, the initial purchase price is higher. But as an exhibitor, you actually pay less. Why? Because we rent the floors out instead of selling them. Renting is cheaper than buying traditional laminate and because we reuse them, the investment pays itself back.”
Does it limit design freedom?
At KOP, design always comes first. We begin with the best possible design, and then look at which loose lay option fits the concept.
With a smart selection of colors, we’re able to deliver the creative freedom clients expect without compromising on sustainability.
The challenges
Despite the clear benefits, many industry players are still hesitant.
Saskia:
“Some stand builders think it’s too much hassle to bring flooring back. Why store it when you can toss it? Some trade show organizers fear logistics and cost. Others take the ‘easy’ route: throw it all away.
Then there are those who buy loose lay only to bin it anyway. That’s our biggest challenge.
What if companies truly stepped up? Brought flooring back. Not for a quick win, like a deposit bottle, but because it contributes to something bigger: a circular economy with quality.
Yes, it takes effort, sorting, returning. But every piece matters. We're all in on this and don't compromise. High-quality. Local. Clean loop. That’s how recycling makes sense to us.”
Building the future
Circular thinking is the foundation of tomorrow’s stand building. Choosing Loose Lay and Forbo’s Take Back program means cutting waste, reducing CO₂, and proving sustainability and quality can go hand-in-hand.
We highlight stories like these because we believe green building should be a win-win. For builder and brand.
Sometimes, it takes stepping off the beaten path to set a new standard. And that’s a path we’ll keep choosing.